Upp Pc 28Giving Robes
Pāli / Sanskrit:Cīvaradāna
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THE DISCOURSE ON OFFERING ROBES (Cīvaradāna)
Background
The Discourse on Offering Robes belongs to the Uparipannatti, the supplementary regulations, of the Theravāda Vinaya Piṭaka. This is the legal section related to practical matters in the life of the Sangha, especially the management and use of robes (cīvara) in the monastic community.
In the early period of Buddhism, monks had to observe strict rules of practice, including the economical and appropriate use of robes. Robes were not only basic physical requisites, but also symbols of renunciation of luxury in Buddhist practice. The regulation on offering robes was recorded by the Buddha to guide the community of learned practitioners in deeply understanding the spirit of giving (dāna) and the qualities of the recipient.
Main Content
The text stipulates that when laypeople offer robes to monks, there should be attestation from the Sangha or from experienced elders. The purpose is to avoid discrimination within the monastic group and to protect the mind of the donor from impure intentions.
Specifically, the offering of robes must follow this principle: the recipient must truly be a monk or bhikkhunī fully qualified in the training, and the offering must be made equitably, without favoritism. If the offering is made to a particular person, there should be a valid reason, such as that person being one’s teacher or someone in difficulty who needs support.
The text also stipulates that a monk who receives robes must be grateful, understand the meaning of the offering, and use the robe practically, only to cover the body, keep warm, and protect health, not to create an appearance or satisfy pride.
Practical Meaning
The Discourse on Offering Robes teaches us that generosity (dāna) is not only the act of giving, but also a spiritual practice requiring care, transparency, and accordance with the Dharma.
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